Looking for the perfect summer getaway with the family? Nestled in southern Austria, the Region of Villach offers crystal-clear, surprisingly warm lakes, dramatic Alpine backviews, and an amzing outdoor adventures.
Here’s our tried-and-tested 4-day family itinerary, full of fun, adventure, splashing moments, relaxation, and plenty of activities to enjoy in and around Vilaach. Based at the hotel, you can easily explore the area and make the most of your trip.
Family Travel Tip: Mobile Data
Navigating around Lake Faak and Lake Ossiach requires steady GPS and quick access to online map. To avoid high international roaming fees, download a digital eSIM mobile data plans for travel to your smartphone before your trip. You'll get instant 4G/5G data across Austria without swapping out your physical home SIM card!
Where to Stay: Naturel Hoteldorf Schönleitn
For this trip, stay at Naturel Hoteldorf Schönleitn, a charming village-style resort that’s wonderfully child-friendly, where kids can run freely without cars around. It offers a great pool and a lovely terrace overlooking the lake. Surrounded by nature, next to the hotel features a fun FOX trail for kids, complete with clues and play areas.
Day 1:
- 2:00 PM – Hotel Check-In Arrive at Naturel Hoteldorf Schönleitn, unpack, and settle into your cozy apartment.
- 3:00 PM – Hotel Pool Refresh Kick off the holiday with a refreshing swim in the hotel pool to unwind after your journey, then take just a few steps to the terrace for a beautiful view and the perfect spot to relax.
- 4:30 PM – Outdoor Pump Track Drobollach Head out to the Drobollach Pump Track—a big favorite with kids! Bring your own bikes if you’re on a road trip, or if you don’t, no problem—rent them right on-site. The track offers stunning mountain views and a cozy café where parents can enjoy a coffee while the kids ride.
- 7:00 PM – Dinner on Faaker See Island Take a quick boat taxi from Anlegestelle Inselhotel Faak to the island on Lake Faak for a meal at the Inselhotel Restaurant. It’s a memorable experience—the boat ride, the beautiful lake views, dining on an island—and the restaurant serves a really good meal. Definitely something I recommend doing.
Day 2:
- 8:30 AM – Breakfast Buffet Enjoy breakfast at the hotel to fuel up for an action-packed day.
- 10:00 AM – Affenberg Monkey Mountain Visit Affenberg Landskron to walk among freely roaming Japanese macaques. Guided tours last around 45 minutes and run every 20 minutes. (Tip: If there’s a long wait, there’s a cute playground and cafe right at the entrance!) (paid activity)
- 12:00 PM – Lunch at Landskron Castle Head up to the historic Burg Landskron for lunch paired with panoramic views over the valley and lakes.
- 1:00 PM – Eagle Flying Show Right at the castle grounds, watch the impressive birds of prey at the Adlerarena flight demonstration. (paid activity)
- 2:00 -4:00 PM – Kletterwald Ossiacher See Just a short drive away, the forest climbing park Kletterwald offers exciting high-ropes courses, a special net adventure area for younger kids, and exhilarating flying zip-line weaving through the forest,
- 4:30 PM – Lake Swim at Gemeindestrandbad Ossiach Cool off in Lake Ossiach at this paid lido, complete with a fun slide and calm, crystal-clear water. The remarkably warm temperature makes it perfect for kids to swim safely.
- 7:30 PM – Lakeside Dinner at Seewirt Ossiach End the day just minutes from the lido, enjoying delicious meals and stunning lake views at Restaurant Seewirt in the same charming area.
Day 3:
- 8:30 AM – Hotel Breakfast
- 10:00 AM – Explore Villach Historic Centre Stroll through Villach’s charming Old Town. Visit the central church, grab snacks at a local cafes, and pick up regional souvenirs and gifts.
- 1:00 PM – Panorama Beach Faaker See Spend a relaxing afternoon at Panorama Beach, where you can unwind by the shore with free entry and convenient paid parking. Kids will love the water slide, perfect for diving and splashing, while parents can relax and enjoy lunch at the beachside café/restaurant serving pizzas, tasty bowls, and delicious desserts.
- 7:30 PM – Easy Dinner at the Hotel Head back to Naturel Hoteldorf Schönleitn for dinner. (Tip: Book your dinner table spot in advance so you can relax and enjoy the resort’s evening and family activities).
Day 4:
- 8:30 AM – Breakfast & Check-Out Have breakfast and get ready for the morning, then pack your bags and check out of the hotel.
- 10:30 – 12:30 AM – Kayak & Canoe Tour at Sunset Beach (Faak am See) Head to the Kajak Center Faak at Sunset Beach for a family canoe trip on the lake. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy the bright turquoise water up close—such an amazing experience you just have to try. The scenery is absolutely incredible, and I highly recommend it.
- 1:30 PM – Final Beach Chill & Snacks After canoeing, spend the rest of your time relaxing at this beautiful spot, enjoying a bite at the beach café, and letting the kids play along the shore before heading home or moving on to your next destination.
Whether you’re looking for things to do in Villach with kids, a family getaway in Austria, summer ideas, summer getaway or a family-friendly place to stay, add this region to your list!
FAQs: Quick Answers for Parents
- When is the best time for a family lake holiday in Carinthia? Mid-June to late August offers warm water temperatures (often 22°C–28°C) and full operation of all outdoor attractions and lidos.
- Are the lakes safe for toddlers and young non-swimmers? Yes! Most lidos (like Gemeindestrandbad Ossiach and Panorama Beach) feature shallow, sandy or grassy entries with dedicated splash zones and lifeguards on duty during summer months.
- Is a car necessary for this Villach itinerary?Having a car is highly recommended for easily traveling between Lake Faak, Lake Ossiach, Landskron Castle, and for this specific itinerary.
- This was our very first lake holiday, but it definitely won’t be our last! If you’re used to typical beach getaways, a lake holiday in Carinthia feels completely different—calmer, surrounded by stunning mountain views, and full of outdoor adventures that kept our kids genuinely excited every single day. Watching them splash in the warm water, ride the pump track, and zipline through the forest made this a trip we’ll definitely remember—so many amazing memories, so many beautiful adventures. We couldn’t recommend the Villach region more!
Loved our Austria adventure but dreaming of the beach for summer? We’ve got you covered! Check out my [Croatia- 6 best beaches in UMAG] Sharing the hotel we stayed at, along with recommendations for the best nearby beaches, especially the top family-friendly beaches around Umag.